Fuel Efficient and Hybrid Vehicles

Making a difference in our environment is as simple as driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle. That's why Chevy currently offers eight models with an EPA estimated 30 MPG highway or better.(1) Aveo Sedan, Aveo5, Cobalt, Cobalt XFE, Malibu Hybrid, and select models of Malibu, HHR, and HHR Panel all fall into the 30 MPG or better club.

But it's not just about cars. Chevy Silverado offers the best V8 fuel economy of any full-size pickup,(2) and the full-size Tahoe SUV delivers best-in-class fuel
economy.(3) New technology like Chevy's Active Fuel Management has played a role in achieving greater fuel economy. Active Fuel Management deactivates half the engine cylinders when they are not needed and seamlessly reactivates them when you need the extra power.

And there's more! Every 2008 Chevy car, half-ton truck and SUV is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor that automatically alerts you when your tire pressure is low. Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3%.(4) Seems small, but if everyone in the U.S. had properly inflated tires, we could save millions of gallons of gas each year.

GM Canada is committed to putting greener vehicles on the road. From expanding our family of fuel-efficient cars and trucks, to offering 12 new upcoming hybrid models, to building the largest fleet of hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles and a unique design for an electric car, we're dedicated to providing more green vehicle choices for Canadians.

Take a look at the green vehicles GM currently has on the road, and the ones that will be in production soon.

Did you know that carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle affects the amount of fuel you use every day? Or that regularly checking your tire pressure can improve your fuel consumption as much as 5%? Making a conscious effort to learn more about how you can help the environment will get us on the road to a greener future quicker. After all, little changes we make today will make a big difference tomorrow.

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the environmental impact of your vehicle and contribute to a cleaner Canada.

Plan your trips to reduce driving

Plan your trips and reduce the amount of driving you do both in the winter and summer. Making too many short trips of less than 5 km each time consumes unnecessarily high amounts of fuel.

Drive within the speed limit

Most cars use about 20% more fuel if driven at 110 km per hour than they use at 90 km per hour.

Try to choose the best road conditions for driving

Driving over rough asphalt, potholes and gravel-surfaced roads can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. Driving in snow increases fuel consumption, because snow increases wheel slippage and resistance to vehicle motion. Even driving into a 30 km-per-hour headwind has almost the same effect as increasing speed by the same amount.

Do not idle unnecessarily

Turn off the engine if you are going to be idling longer than a few minutes. One minute of idling uses more fuel than re-starting your engine. Even at -18°C most cars only require 15 to 30 seconds of idling before being driven. The engine and drivetrain warm up better when your car is in motion. However, drive gently until they are warm.

Conserve your car's momentum

Conserve your car's momentum by observing road and traffic conditions and by maintaining a reasonable distance from the vehicle ahead. It takes up to six times more gas to move a car from a complete stop than it does if the car has a momentum of even a few kilometres per hour.

Remove unnecessary roof racks and weight from your vehicle

By removing unnecessary exterior objects, you can reduce the aerodynamic drag of your vehicle and reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%. Every 45 kg (100 lb.) of extra weight consumes 1% more fuel.

Use your air conditioner wisely

Air conditioners are efficient on the highway but they can increase your fuel consumption by up to 12% in stop-and-go traffic.

Follow your owner manual and get your vehicle serviced regularly

A poorly maintained vehicle typically consumes up to 15% more fuel than a properly maintained vehicle. Follow your owner manual and get your vehicle serviced on a regular basis. Regular oil changes, filter and spark plug replacements and cleaning of your fuel injectors all help. Keep your tires at the correct pressure and rotate them regularly. Feel free to consult with GM's Parts and Service staff. They're qualified to address all kinds of service requirements.

GM Oil Life Monitoring System

You may not need as many oil changes as you think. The award-winning* GM Oil Life System monitors your vehicle's oil quality and tells you when you need a change. Now a standard on many GM vehicles, this computer-based system saves you time and money by eliminating unnecessary oil changes. You'll also give nature a break by using fewer non-renewable resources and producing less waste.

* GM received the Environmental Excellence Transportation (E2T) Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers.